When returning your mail-in ballot, it is convenient to check the location of the nearest official drop box in advance. Official drop boxes are marked as ‘Official Ballot Drop Box.’ You can find drop boxes through the website (caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov).
The California Ballot Drop Box tracking service, ‘Where’s My Ballot?’, provides updates on ballot mailing, delivery, and post-return processing status. It is available in all 58 counties of the state, and you can choose your preferred notification method among text message, email, and voice call. To apply, access the website (wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov) and enter the first and last name, date of birth, and California residential ZIP code listed on your voter registration record. Afterward, you can set your contact information, notification method, and preferred time to receive alerts.
You can also check your ballot receipt status on the website (voterstatus.sos.ca.gov).
It is important to distinguish between a ballot arriving at the election office and receiving approval after the verification process. The tracking service guides you on both ballot arrival and receipt approval. If there are any issues preventing acceptance, it will notify you of the reason and how to resolve them. Therefore, it is advisable to check for follow-up notices even after receiving the arrival notification.
The status may not change immediately after placing your ballot in the drop box. Ballots are transferred to the election office according to the county’s collection schedule, and processing time is required even after arrival. The Secretary of State’s office explains that because hundreds to thousands of ballots can arrive daily, it may be difficult to process newly arrived ballots immediately.
The ballot tracking service is a feature to check the envelope and processing status. It does not track which candidate or ballot measure you voted for, and your voting choices remain confidential.
